Calvinism as Political Ideology

摘要

John Calvin was the most important French religious Reformer, whose vision dramatically influenced Christian theology, thus adding a stepping stone to the creation of the modern world. He was an equally refined political philosopher, showing great interest in power relations between humans. Through his writings, Calvin sought to determine the way superiors should treat their inferiors , and also the respect the formers are due. Therefore, although the wives, children and commoners are expected to obey those of greater authority (husbands, parents or civil officials), the aforementioned authority should not be of a tyrannical or discretionary type, but rather to derive its limits from the Law of God, as described in the Bible.